Everyone knows the frustrating feeling of searching for a pen only to find out it’s out of ink, has dried out – or has ceased to work for any number of other unknown reasons. 

Now, the issue has been laid bare for all to see thanks to fascinating nationwide research of 1,000 adults revealing that just 1 in 5 (20%) pens in UK households actually work. 

According to the new figures, that means there are around 280 million useless, broken pens piled up in drawers, offices, and kitchen counters across Britain.

Ryman’s study exposes a familiar frustration for Brits - that pens fail to perform when you need them the most. 

The research further delves deeper into the lifespan of a typical penThe research further delves deeper into the lifespan of a typical pen (Image: Come to ink of it / Ryman) Whether it’s during an important meeting or for a simple to-do list, many of the pens we keep within arm’s reach are useless, resulting in an enormous stockpile of unusable items.

The research further delves deeper into the lifespan of a typical pen, revealing that while some last years, others barely survive a few uses before giving up on us. 

The average pen is discarded after just six months, the data shows, in a trend that highlights the need for better recycling solutions. 

Ryman is actively facing up to the issue of stationery waste, thanks to the Writing Instruments Free Recycling Programme - an effort to combat pen waste and encourage Brits to recycle their unusable writing tools.

Since joining the Writing Instruments Free Recycling Programme sponsored by BIC and managed by TerraCycle, Ryman has already recycled a whopping 3.5 million pens that were previously out of use. 

Brits are invited to visit their local Ryman store to recycle their old pens – helping the nation take important steps towards a sustainable future.

For more information visit: https://www.ryman.co.uk/environment

Chloe Danskin at Ryman said: “We’ve all been there, you reach for a pen only to find it’s run out of ink, or it simply doesn’t work. 

“Our research shows that this isn’t just an occasional annoyance, it’s a widespread issue, with only one in five pens in UK households still functioning.

“That’s millions of broken pens sitting idle, and many people don’t realise they can be recycled, which is why as part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re encouraging everyone to bring their old, unused pens into Ryman stores to be recycled. 

“It’s a simple step we can all take to reduce waste and support a more circular economy".

Ryman is calling on the public to dig through their drawers, find their broken pens, and give them a second life by recycling them through Ryman’s free service.